Like so many who love poetry, I also love the beauty God reveals in nature. Yet the most beautiful flowers, the most majestic trees, the most awesome mountains, the most delightful butterflies; all of them fade into mere shadows when the glory of God shines through a human heart surrendered to Him. My life has been blessed to have been inspired by so many, many such lives–pointing me directly to Him who creates all beauty. I treasure His touch through parents, grandparents, family, my wife, my children, teachers, pastors, youth pastors, mentors, co-workers, students,  friends; most of them unknown in this vast world, yet held dear by the One they trust with their entire life. For they live out up close and day-to-day lovely parables of His glory. Each of them declares to me most magnificently the wonder of the God we love.

Of all the wonders You have made
Shaped by the power of Your hands
I find the one that moves me most
Is Your joy in the heart of man.

In that joy I find Your glory
Clearer far than nature’s own
Though hers is also by Your hand
In human joy You are shone.

I do not read it on his face,
I do not find it in her eyes,
I do not hear it in their song,
Nor even as their praises rise.

For joy thrives inside a heart
Surrendered fully at Your throne
A lovely parable of glory
Told by lives who are Your own.

M.S.
May 3, 2016
Deuteronomy 4:29

“But from there, you will search for the LORD your God,
and you will find Him when you seek Him
with all your heart and all your soul.”